Is the amalgamation going to improve service delivery?

There has been much bickering about the imminent amalgamation of Umjindi and Mbombela local municipalities as announced by the demarcation board last week.

Whatever is the argument, politically speaking, opposition parties had pointed out that the ruling party was placing itself at an advantage for the forthcoming local government elections next year.

For me, whether this was the truth or not, the gist of the matter is: is the amalgamation going to improve service delivery?

Taking into cognisance the competency level at the moment, methinks they need to do a lot in infusing professionalism in their personnel.

The powers that be need to ensure that they equip themselves with professional and skilled personnel who will be able to function on the extended boundaries efficiently and that the amalgamation does not hamper service delivery.

It mustn’t come as a disadvantage over the other, as presumably, both have held their integrated development planning consultations at both municipalities in which each outlined their priorities.

The question now would be, are they going to equitably prioritise as originally planned? That is one area that shouldn’t be messed with because it is the people who have spoken and it is purportedly a people’s budget, so the people’s will should be adhered to, not individuals’ egos and will.

* I must commend those of you who took the liberty of buying tickets to watch the CAF game featuring Orlando Pirates vs Zamalek FC at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday. It was vital that we back our home team as other African countries do on their home soil.

It was good to witness the solidarity of South African fans jointly enjoying themselves.

I wish to inform the hordes of people who had been calling our offices requesting tickets to the game, that we don’t supply tickets, but are partnering with the stadium management to lure them to the stadium to buy and go watch the games.

It is a sad moment when you have to tell each one of them that we don’t issue tickets, we could also only enter the stadium through accreditation as a media house.

Besides, this behaviour has been accustomed with local events that are meant to accrue profit for local organisers.

If we are to economically contribute to local empowerment, let’s go out and buy. Local is lekker, let’s support it all the way.